The result was set up by a disciplined bowling performance on the final day, which restricted North Zone to a modest total. Resuming their second innings at 256/7, North Zone added only 41 runs before being dismissed for 297. MD Nidheesh proved to be the standout performer with the ball, claiming 5/56 to dismantle the tail and leave Nishant Sindhu stranded on 35.
Clinical chase secures final berth
Facing a target of 181, South Zone’s openers provided a solid foundation as Ricky Bhui and Narayan Jagadeesan put together a 64-run partnership. Although Bhui fell for 42 off 53 balls and Shaik Rasheed departed shortly after, the middle order remained composed. Jagadeesan contributed 43 before being stumped, leaving Varma and R Smaran to navigate the remainder of the chase.
The pair combined for an unbroken 79-run stand, effectively neutralizing the North Zone attack. Varma, who had already established his form with a crucial unbeaten 116 in the first innings, hit the winning boundary to reach his fifty and confirm the victory. North Zone’s attempt to use part-time bowlers in the final stages failed to disrupt the rhythm of the South Zone batters.
Foundation built on first-innings resilience
South Zone’s path to the final was largely paved by their recovery in the first innings. After slipping to 80/5 in response to North Zone’s 195, Varma and Shreyas Gopal shared a 175-run partnership that secured a vital 117-run lead. While North Zone showed resistance through half-centuries from Sanat Sangwan and Ayush Doseja, the early damage proved insurmountable.
South Zone will now travel to Chennai to face East Zone in the Duleep Trophy final at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, starting on September 6. East Zone qualified for the title clash following their own four-wicket victory over Central Zone in the other semifinal.
